There is something irresistibly comforting about a layered lasagna that combines tender chicken, rich cheeses, and savory marinara sauce in one hearty dish. The Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe takes all those classic flavors and transforms them into a quick, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknights or any time you crave a cozy Italian-American meal without the fuss of traditional baking. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the tender chicken bites to the gooey cheese and soft, flavorful noodles all cooked together for simplicity and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the secret to making this skillet dish shine, as each element plays a key role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. You’ll find yourself pleasantly surprised by how approachable the list is, yet how much depth it brings to your plate.
- Olive oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing chicken with a subtle, fruity aroma that complements Italian flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces ensure quick cooking and tender, juicy meat incorporated throughout the dish.
- Garlic powder: Adds mellow, fragrant undertones that boost the savory profile effortlessly.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that layers in classic herbs like oregano and basil for depth and authenticity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced and added for bursts of fresh, pungent flavor that awaken the sauce.
- Marinara sauce: This tomato-based marvel coats the noodles and chicken, giving everything a tangy, robust taste.
- Water or chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and helps cook the noodles perfectly within the skillet.
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces and cooked directly in the skillet for ease and convenience.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and sprinkled to deliver that signature melty, stringy texture everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the cheesy richness.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy dollops that create delightful pockets of softness throughout the skillet.
- Fresh basil (optional): Chopped and used as a bright, herbal garnish to finish the dish with a pop of color and aroma.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, season your bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss them into the skillet and let them brown and cook through, which usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. This step ensures that your chicken is juicy on the inside with a flavorful seared crust, the foundation of your skillet lasagna magic.
Step 2: Infuse Garlic and Add Sauces
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to infuse your dish with that unmistakable aromatic punch. Then, pour in the marinara sauce along with water or chicken broth, mixing everything gently to prepare for the noodles and final cooking.
Step 3: Add and Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Break up your oven-ready lasagna noodles into the skillet, making sure they get mostly submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce the heat to medium, and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes. Be sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure the noodles soften up perfectly in the flavorful sauce base.
Step 4: Add Cheese Layers and Melt
Once the noodles are tender and everything has melded nicely, remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of your mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Then, dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over everything. Cover the skillet again for a few minutes to let the cheeses melt, or pop it under a broiler for about 2 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden, irresistibly cheesy crust. Your Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe is now ready for that final flourish!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are the easiest way to brighten and refresh this hearty dish. Chopped fresh basil scattered over the top right before serving adds a lovely pop of green and a sweetly aromatic contrast that balances the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables can elevate the experience. Consider a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus to complement the creamy, savory layers in the skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the lasagna skillet family-style with a rustic wooden board underneath or dollop additional ricotta on each individual plate with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for those who enjoy some heat or add a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs before broiling for a delightful crunch contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, cool the skillet contents completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too! Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the skillet or container with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly. Alternatively, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles tender.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can speed up the process and save you time without sacrificing flavor. Just add it in during the sauce step.
Do I have to use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Oven-ready noodles are convenient because they cook directly in the skillet with the sauce, but if you only have regular noodles, pre-cooking them slightly before adding will work just fine.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free broth or water. The flavor profile will change a bit but still remain comforting and delicious.
Is it possible to add vegetables?
Certainly! Adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini when you add the marinara sauce can sneak in extra nutrition and flavor without overpowering the dish.
What’s the best way to achieve a crispy topping?
Before broiling, sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil on top of the cheeses, then broil for 2 minutes until golden and crunchy for added texture contrast.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress family or treat themselves to something comforting yet easy. It’s a delicious, cozy meal that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
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Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken pieces, savory marinara sauce, and oven-ready lasagna noodles cooked together in a skillet. Topped with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta cheeses, this easy Italian-American dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 8 ounces oven-ready lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5–6 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Sauce and Noodles: Pour in the marinara sauce and water (or chicken broth). Stir to combine, then add the broken lasagna noodles, making sure they are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, reduce heat to medium, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover again for 2–3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt, or place the skillet under the broiler for 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a fresh finish. Serve the skillet lasagna hot.
Notes
- Substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal preparation.
- For added texture and crispness, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before broiling.
- Use chicken broth in place of water for a richer flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is oven-safe if using the broiler step.
